"Gloria, can you come in for a minute?" the boss called from his office door.
What now?
thought Gloria, as she sorted out some paperwork.
It was Thursday evening and, as a marketing manager in the agency, Gloria had been very busy in the past few weeks with some projects, so another job was the last thing she needed.
She stretched her full 5'9" figure and walked to his office. She was aware that Rick, the marketing director, would always position himself to view her coming toward him, but she was at ease with that. She knew she was good looking and attracted most gazes when she walked with her long stride, so what the hell?
"We have a little problem," he said when she came in. "Denzil has been taken ill and can't make the presentation in New Orleans. We need someone to take his place. You had some dealings with the project and I need you to cover."
"Wow," said Gloria. "There's a fair amount of paperwork in that."
"I know," said Rick, "you can take young Carol with you to help out. She's keen and wants to progress. Make a weekend of it."
Gloria's mind raced. The job wasn't a problem, she knew with help she could bring the strands together. It just so happened that Babs, her long term friend from college, had contacted her ten days ago about visiting her in New Orleans so here was a golden opportunity.
"Okay," said Gloria.
"Fine, get the travel department to fix the pair of you up and get there at least by tomorrow."
For some minutes, back at her desk, Gloria thought of the possibilities of seeing Babs. They had been at school and then to college together and were really bosom pals. She thought of the things they had got up to during those years. They had been so close until Babs got a good job down south five years ago. They had only seen each other once, at a class reunion, since then. Each making promises, but unable to keep them because of their respective careers. Now here was a gift of an opportunity.
She immediately searched for Babs's number.
After an interminable wait the phone clicked. "Hi," Babs answered in a slight southern drawl which she had acquired .
"Wheeeee, I'm coming to see you this weekend," Gloria yelled into the phone.
There followed a series of whoops and hollers form both ends. Then they settled down and arranged that after the convention Gloria would come to the house and they would take it from there.
"Oh, I forgot. I will a have one of the girls from here with me at the convention."
"No problem," said Babs, "bring her with you, particularly if she's good looking. Mal likes being surrounded by nice women."
"This hunk seems to be keeping you happy," said Gloria.
"Wait till you see him!" cooed Babs
After some more banter, they rang off.
Gloria didn't know Carol very well, just that she was competent; they didn't mix in the same circles.
She went down the corridor to Carol's department and went into her office. Carol was standing at the window and turned as Gloria came in.
Gloria then realised how striking Carol was. Petite with very pale skin, and long black hair, her features were perfect contrasts. She had a very good figure outlined by a silk blouse and long skirt.
"Hi," said Carol. "Rick has just been on and told me. Nice to really meet you, it will be nice to work along with the most beautiful woman in the office."
Gloria blushed under her black skin. "Well thanks for the compliment. We will make a good contrast as you are as white as I am black. We'll stun them better than Denzil could hope."
They made the necessary list of requirements, organised their travel and arranged to meet at the airport the next morning. A lot of study was required in the meantime.
PREPARATION
Gloria was so excited on the way to the airport, more of the fact of catching up with Babs than with the convention.
She thought of some of their escapades, like who could lose their virginty first, when they were sixteen. Babs won by half an hour in a back shed, at least Gloria was in a bed. Babs had had some steady relationships whereas Gloria never seemed to settle. Her affairs never lasted more than a month.
I wonder why,
she thought.
Sex was never a problem, she knew there were many willing when she needed it, but she had not yet felt like committing. Babs on the other hand seemed to settle down after college and had only two relationships and it appeared that, with Mal, she was so happy.
She got out of the cab and immediately every head turned as she knew she looked good. Her black trouser suit, cut tight, made her legs look as if they went on forever and the white shirt stood out against her dark skin. Her waist-length hair swept back from her face by a clasp accentuated her height.
Carol was waiting for her and looked almost plain in contrast. When she saw Gloria, her heart jumped, making her feel uncertain. She had always admired Gloria for the time they had been in the office, but she suddenly felt in awe of her. Then she was really confused as Gloria came over and gave her firm kiss on the lips. Carol's legs wobbled as she felt a rush of heat run up her body.
"Come on then and get the show on the road," smiled Gloria, as they went to check in.
The flight was uneventful and, after preliminary chitchat, they got down to preparing their brief. Carol was impressed by the speed at which Gloria got all the facts together, but also felt an unusual warmth in her body sitting so close to her. She dismissed the thought as she too got involved in their work.
That evening and most of the following day was hectic making presentations and discussing various problems with potential customers.
RELAXATION
Late Saturday afternoon, the briefing finally ended and, as Gloria packed up the last papers, her mind focussed on meeting Babs. She sank into the soft settee in the foyer and ordered a long iced drink from a passing waiter. Carol appeared from one of the rooms and Gloria called her over.
"The party's over so now let's party," she said.
Carol slumped down on an adjoining seat. "I certainly feel like doing that," she said.
Gloria called the waiter to make the same drink for Carol. She looked intently at Carol. "You did very well, you'll go places."
